Pest inspection services near you

Yes, a pest inspection is worth it, especially before buying a home. It can uncover hidden damage from termites, rodents, and other pests that could lead to expensive repairs. Some inspectors can also spot moisture issues that may require a separate mold inspection, giving you a fuller picture of the home's condition.

A pest inspection involves a professional examining your home’s interior and exterior for signs of pests like termites, rodents, and insects. They’ll look for damage, droppings, and entry points to identify any current or potential infestations. Some inspectors may also note related issues, like moisture problems that could require a separate mold inspection.

Some of the biggest benefits of pest inspection include the following:

• Early detection: Catching pest problems before they become large-scale infestations can save you significant money and stress.

• Property protection: An inspection can identify wood-destroying insects, like termites or carpenter ants, before they cause serious structural damage to your home.

• Health and safety: It helps ensure your home is free from pests that can carry diseases or trigger allergies, such as cockroaches and rodents.

• Peace of mind: Whether you're buying a new home or maintaining your current one, an inspection offers confidence that your property is clear of hidden issues.

• Problem-source identification: A professional can spot the underlying causes of an infestation, like entry points or moisture issues, which may also point to a need for a mold inspection.

Typically, it will take thirty minutes to two hours for a professional to complete a pest inspection. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• The size of your property: A larger home with more rooms, a basement, and an attic will take longer to inspect than a small apartment.

• Accessibility: If areas like crawl spaces, attics, or basements are hard to get into, it can add time to the inspection.

• Level of infestation: A significant or widespread pest problem requires more detailed investigation and documentation.

• Type of inspection: A general inspection is quicker than one targeting a specific pest, like termites, which requires more specialized techniques.

• Combined services: If the pest inspection is part of a larger home inspection, the overall appointment will naturally be longer.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

Before hiring a pest inspection service, be sure to ask your pro these questions:

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• What’s your experience with the specific pests common to my area?

• What does the inspection include, and how long does it usually take?

• Will I get a written report, and what information will it detail?

• If you find an infestation, can you also provide treatment options and a quote?

• Does your inspection cover signs of related damage, like issues that might require a separate mold inspection?

• What are your fees, and do you offer a guarantee for your inspection?

Before your pro arrives to perform a pest inspection, take these steps to ensure a safe and efficient appointment:

1. Step 1: Clear the way. Make sure your pro can easily access areas like attics, basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks where pests often hide.

2. Step 2: Tidy the kitchen. Wipe down counters and sweep up any crumbs, as leftover food can attract pests and make it harder to spot signs of an infestation.

3. Step 3: Secure your pets. For everyone’s safety and comfort, please keep your pets in a crate or a closed-off room during the inspection.

4. Step 4: Leave clues behind. As tempting as it is to clean, leave any pest droppings, nests, or dead bugs you find, as this evidence is vital for an accurate diagnosis.

5. Step 5: Prepare your notes. Be ready to tell your pro where you’ve seen activity, what kind of pests you’ve noticed, and for how long.